The Value of Critical Thinking | Origin: ED116
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Critical Thinking Processes and Applications --> The Value of Critical Thinking
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
While we all need time to gather info and make decisions, there has to be a limit to that. This can sometimes be difficult and can become "analysis paralysis." We fail to decide because we feel like we haven't gained all the info we need to make the decision and need more time. The fact is we will never have "all the info." If we did, we would be gods. I liked the advertisement examples and have often fallen for those things. There arer times when I catch something that can't possibly be true, but often times I fall, for the emotion of it or being part of the bandwagon.
As teachers, we have a duty to our students, not just to give knowledge. We must teach how to analyze, apply, and use the knowledge to determine real value, real truth, or real merit of all things they must make judgments upon.
An instructor can open the students critical thinking process by posing questions to the students. Students need to seek critical thinking skills by asking questions to situations that may be unclear to them and not take them at face value.
I have learned that it is essential as a Professor to guide my students to become independent learners. It is important for them to continue learning, but the important part is to provide them with the tools to become life-long learners. During my classes I will teach them how to scan for essential information and how to absorb the knowledge and apply it later.
Es interesante conocer cómo se le atribuye a Sócrates casi que el fundador del pensamiento crítico. Sin embargo, los sofistas por ejemplo, si que eran críticos. Lo que quiero advertir es que el pensamiento crítico hace parte de la condición humana.
It is important to continue with shorter segments of information to engage and help the student to retain information
It is best to hold the attention in short spans and continue to encourage Socratic questioning
Critical thinking is the disciplined process of actively analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information gathered from observation, experience, or communication. It is a foundational skill that empowers individuals to make reasoned judgments and informed decisions.
The value of critical thinking lies in its ability to sharpen decision-making, problem-solving, and reasoning skills. From this module, I have learned that critical thinking involves analyzing information objectively, questioning assumptions, and evaluating evidence before forming conclusions. It's not just about finding the right answer, but understanding the "why" behind it and considering different perspectives. I intend to apply these skills in both personal and professional contexts. In my work, I use critical thinking to evaluate research findings more thoroughly, approach problems methodically, and develop evidence-based strategies for improving patient care, especially in addressing health disparities and vaccine hesitancy. By consistently questioning assumptions and considering multiple viewpoints, I can make more informed and thoughtful decisions.
How do you plan to apply critical thinking in your own context? It would be great to hear how others are integrating these skills into their daily practices!
Critical thinking is not inherent. It is a process that is learned and developed over time. When presenting information to students in the classroom, less is more. Too much information about a topic can cause them to tune out.
Articulation of clear and concise points , positions, and data is vital because the listeners can internalize what is being shared and then make their own minds up about how to use this new information. Too much "teacher talk" leads to students filtering to delete or distort the majority of what is being communicated; Thus leading to challenges when they have to recall information to make a decision about a situation or probelm as a result of their critical thinking process.
Importance of critical thinking skills to manage the classroom
Critical Thinking is developing the ability to be analytical by sorting through information that is available.
Critical thinking is a process of steps that helps students internalize, process, seek and develop positions and recommendations based upon their own independent judgement.
Critical thinking is paramount to learning. One thing I tell my students all the time is that your clients or patients aren't going to give you multiple-choice options to choose from. They're going to tell you what's wrong, and you have to be able to think critically to create an effective and safe treatment plan.
Critical thinking facilitates new learning and participation in society in a mature and helpful way.
Teaching critical thinking skills makes more productive and independent learners.
I have learned that critical thinking is an ancient process, not something at all new to 21st century education. We can learn much about our own thinking by reading Socrates, Aquinas, and others.
Critical thinking is a process and it is thiking with a purpose. It contains components
What have you learned from this module and how do you intend to apply it?
I learned that the history of critical thinking can be traced further back than Socrates. It emphasized a point that few people seem to remember, that it takes work to find the truth. In this era of instant access to "news & information" and with AI generated content, it takes more work to dig to the truth. Most people are lazy and won't do it. This module helps instructors provide students with reasons why they should do the work. Much of nursing is about critical thinking, not just accepting "the doctor said so".
